Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A redirection structure comprising: a prism array that spans a diameter of the redirection structure, the redirection structure located between a display element and an eyebox, the display element configured to emit image light in a visible band towards a display element side of the redirection structure, the prism array including a plurality of prisms that are overmolded with an immersion layer that is index matched to the plurality of prisms and forms a flat surface on the eyebox facing side of the immersion layer, each of the plurality of prisms are transmissive in the visible band of light and reflective in an infrared band of light and have an index of refraction greater than 2.5, and a respective shape of each of the plurality of prisms is such that it reflects light in the infrared band received from the eyebox to a first position that is offset from the eyebox, and wherein the first position is occupied by a camera of an eye tracking system and light in the infrared band is reflected from an eye in the eyebox and redirected by the prism array toward the first position.
This invention relates to optical redirection structures for augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) displays, specifically addressing the challenge of integrating eye tracking functionality without obstructing the visible light path. The redirection structure is positioned between a display element and an eyebox, where the display emits visible light toward the user's eye. The structure includes a prism array spanning its diameter, with each prism overmolded by an immersion layer that is index-matched to the prisms, creating a flat surface on the eyebox-facing side. The prisms are transmissive to visible light but reflective to infrared (IR) light, with a refractive index exceeding 2.5. The prisms are shaped to reflect IR light from the eyebox toward an offset position occupied by an eye-tracking camera. This design allows visible light to pass through unimpeded while redirecting IR light from the user's eye to the camera, enabling eye tracking without interfering with the display's visible output. The overmolded immersion layer ensures optical clarity and structural integrity. The invention improves eye-tracking accuracy in AR/VR systems by efficiently separating visible and IR light paths.
2. The redirection structure of claim 1 , wherein the prism array includes at least two prisms that have different shapes.
This invention relates to optical redirection structures, specifically prism arrays used to manipulate light paths. The problem addressed is the need for flexible and efficient light redirection in optical systems, such as displays, sensors, or imaging devices, where uniform or customized light distribution is required. The invention describes a redirection structure featuring a prism array with at least two prisms of different shapes. The prism array is designed to redirect incident light in a controlled manner, altering its direction or distribution. The variation in prism shapes allows for tailored light redirection, enabling applications where different angles or patterns of light output are needed. For example, one prism may be triangular to deflect light at a specific angle, while another may be trapezoidal to spread light over a wider area. This design enhances versatility in optical systems, improving performance in applications like augmented reality displays, light guides, or solar concentrators. The different prism shapes can be arranged in a specific pattern to achieve desired light redirection effects, such as uniform illumination or targeted light focusing. The structure may also include additional features, such as reflective or refractive surfaces, to further optimize light manipulation. The use of multiple prism shapes allows for more precise control over light paths, addressing limitations in conventional prism arrays that rely on uniform shapes.
3. The redirection structure of claim 1 , wherein each prism of the plurality of prisms includes at least one flat facet.
This invention relates to optical redirection structures using prisms to manipulate light paths. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and precise light redirection in optical systems, such as displays, sensors, or imaging devices, where conventional structures may suffer from optical losses, misalignment, or limited control over light paths. The invention describes a redirection structure composed of multiple prisms, each containing at least one flat facet. These prisms are arranged to redirect light in a controlled manner, improving optical efficiency and precision. The flat facets on each prism allow for predictable light refraction or reflection, ensuring accurate redirection. The structure may be used to fold light paths, correct optical aberrations, or enhance light collection in compact systems. The prisms can be arranged in various configurations, such as stacked or arrayed, to achieve desired redirection effects. The use of flat facets simplifies manufacturing while maintaining optical performance. This design is particularly useful in applications requiring precise light control, such as augmented reality displays, optical sensors, or compact imaging systems. The invention improves upon prior art by providing a more efficient and scalable solution for light redirection.
4. The redirection structure of claim 1 , wherein each prism of the plurality of prisms includes at least one curved facet.
This invention relates to optical redirection structures using prisms with curved facets to manipulate light. The technology addresses the challenge of efficiently redirecting light in optical systems, such as displays, sensors, or imaging devices, where precise control of light paths is critical. Traditional prism arrays often use flat facets, which can limit flexibility in light redirection and introduce unwanted artifacts like diffraction or aberrations. The invention improves upon prior art by incorporating at least one curved facet into each prism within an array. These curved facets enable more precise and versatile light redirection compared to flat surfaces, allowing for better control over light paths, reduced optical distortions, and enhanced performance in applications requiring complex light manipulation. The curvature can be tailored to specific optical requirements, such as focusing, diffusing, or redirecting light at non-uniform angles. This design is particularly useful in compact optical systems where space constraints demand efficient light management without sacrificing performance. The prisms may be arranged in a structured pattern, and the curved facets can be convex, concave, or a combination thereof, depending on the desired optical effect. This approach improves upon conventional prism arrays by offering greater design flexibility and superior optical performance.
5. The redirection structure of claim 1 , wherein a size of a prism within the prism array is based in part on a distance between the redirection structure and the display element.
This invention relates to optical redirection structures used in display systems, particularly for enhancing viewing angles and image quality. The problem addressed is optimizing the size of prisms within a prism array to improve light redirection efficiency based on the distance between the redirection structure and the display element. The prism array is positioned relative to a display element to redirect light emitted from the display element toward a viewer. The size of each prism in the array is adjusted according to the distance between the redirection structure and the display element, ensuring optimal light redirection and minimizing distortion or loss. This adjustment may involve varying prism dimensions such as height, width, or pitch to maintain consistent performance across different display configurations. The invention improves image clarity and brightness by dynamically adapting the prism array to the specific spatial relationship between the redirection structure and the display element, addressing challenges in maintaining uniform light distribution in display systems.
6. The redirection structure of claim 1 , wherein facets of prisms within the prism array are shaped such that the facets form different portions of a Fresnel lens.
A system for optical redirection uses a prism array where individual prisms are shaped to function as segments of a Fresnel lens. The prisms redirect light by refracting and reflecting it at specific angles, with their facets forming distinct portions of a larger Fresnel lens structure. This design allows for precise control of light direction, enabling applications in displays, lighting, or optical sensors. The prism array can be arranged in a grid or other pattern, with each prism's facet contributing to the overall lens effect. The system may include additional optical elements, such as diffusers or filters, to enhance performance. The Fresnel-like prism facets improve efficiency by reducing material usage while maintaining optical precision, making the system compact and lightweight. This approach is useful in scenarios requiring compact, high-performance light redirection, such as augmented reality displays or solar concentrators. The prism array can be fabricated using microstructuring techniques, ensuring precise alignment and uniformity across the array.
7. The redirection structure of claim 1 , wherein a prism of the plurality of prisms comprises facets that are coated with a dichroic material that is reflective in the infrared band and transmissive in the visible band.
This invention relates to optical systems for redirecting light, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently separating and directing different wavelength bands of light, such as visible and infrared light, in a compact and precise manner. The system uses an array of prisms, each with multiple facets, to manipulate light paths. At least one prism in the array has facets coated with a dichroic material that selectively reflects infrared light while allowing visible light to pass through. This selective filtering enables the system to separate and redirect the two wavelength bands independently, improving optical performance in applications like imaging, sensing, or laser systems where precise light control is required. The dichroic coating ensures high efficiency in the separation process, minimizing losses and maintaining optical clarity. The prism array can be configured to redirect light at specific angles, enhancing flexibility in system design. This approach provides a compact, high-performance solution for wavelength-selective light redirection, addressing limitations in traditional optical filters and beam splitters.
8. The redirection structure of claim 1 , wherein the prism array is coated with a layer of material that is a same refractive index as the refractive index of the material of which the plurality of prisms is composed.
This invention relates to optical redirection structures, specifically prism arrays used to manipulate light paths. The problem addressed is the loss of light efficiency in prism arrays due to reflections and refractions at the interfaces between the prism material and surrounding media. When light encounters a prism surface with a different refractive index, partial reflection occurs, reducing the amount of light redirected as intended. The solution involves coating the prism array with a layer of material that has the same refractive index as the prism material itself. This eliminates the refractive index mismatch at the prism surfaces, minimizing internal reflections and improving light transmission efficiency. The coating ensures that light entering the prism array propagates through the structure with minimal loss, maintaining the desired redirection properties. The prism array consists of multiple prisms arranged to redirect light in a controlled manner, such as for light extraction, collimation, or beam steering applications. The coating is applied uniformly across the prism surfaces, ensuring consistent optical performance. This approach is particularly useful in displays, lighting systems, and optical sensors where efficient light management is critical. By matching the refractive indices, the invention enhances the overall optical efficiency of the prism array, reducing energy waste and improving system performance.
9. A head-mounted display (HMD) comprising: a display element configured to output image light in a visible band of light through a display surface; a redirection structure configured to transmit light in the visible band from a display element side of the redirection structure to an eyebox side of the redirection structure and direct light in an infrared band different than the visible band to a first position, the redirection structure located between the display element and an eyebox, the redirection structure comprising: a prism array that spans a diameter of the redirection structure, the prism array including a plurality of prisms that are overmolded with an immersion layer that is index matched to the plurality of prisms and forms a flat surface on the eyebox facing side of the immersion layer, each of the plurality of prisms are transmissive in the visible band of light and reflective in the infrared band of light and have an index of refraction greater than 2.5, and a respective shape of each of the plurality of prisms is such that it reflects light in the infrared band received from the eyebox to the first position that is offset from the eyebox, and an illumination source configured to illuminate portions of the eyebox with the light in the infrared band; and a camera located in the first position, the camera configured to capture the light in the infrared band that is reflected from an eye in the eyebox and redirected by the prism array to the first position.
This invention relates to a head-mounted display (HMD) system designed to enhance eye-tracking capabilities while maintaining high-quality visible image output. The HMD includes a display element that emits visible light through a display surface, a redirection structure positioned between the display element and the eyebox (the area where the user's eye is located), and an infrared (IR) illumination source. The redirection structure features a prism array with multiple prisms overmolded with an immersion layer that is index-matched to the prisms, creating a flat surface on the eyebox-facing side. Each prism is transmissive to visible light, allowing the display image to pass through, while reflecting IR light. The prisms have a high refractive index (greater than 2.5) and are shaped to redirect IR light from the eyebox to a first position offset from the eyebox. An IR illumination source emits IR light to illuminate the eyebox, and a camera placed at the first position captures the IR light reflected from the user's eye. This design enables accurate eye-tracking without obstructing the visible display path, improving both visual quality and tracking performance in HMD devices.
10. The HMD of claim 9 , wherein the prism array includes at least two prisms that have different shapes.
A head-mounted display (HMD) system addresses the challenge of providing wide-field-of-view (FOV) imaging with compact, lightweight optics. Traditional HMD designs often struggle to balance optical performance with form factor constraints, leading to trade-offs in image quality, distortion, or bulkiness. This HMD incorporates a prism array to enhance optical efficiency and reduce size while maintaining high-resolution imaging. The prism array consists of multiple prisms arranged to fold and direct light paths within the display system. At least two prisms in the array have distinct shapes, allowing for optimized light redirection and correction of aberrations. This design enables the HMD to achieve a wider FOV without increasing the overall device footprint. The varying prism shapes compensate for optical distortions, improving image clarity and reducing peripheral visual artifacts. The system may also include additional optical elements, such as lenses or waveguides, to further refine light transmission and enhance visual fidelity. By integrating differently shaped prisms, the HMD achieves a more compact and efficient optical path, making it suitable for applications requiring immersive, high-quality visual experiences, such as virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR). The prism array’s adaptability allows for customization based on specific optical requirements, ensuring versatility across different HMD configurations.
11. The HMD of claim 9 , wherein each prism of the plurality of prisms includes at least one flat facet.
A head-mounted display (HMD) system addresses the challenge of providing compact, lightweight optical designs for virtual and augmented reality applications. Traditional HMDs often suffer from bulky optics that limit field of view, cause distortion, or require complex mechanical adjustments. This invention improves upon prior designs by incorporating a plurality of prisms in the optical path, where each prism includes at least one flat facet. The flat facet enhances light redirection efficiency, reducing optical aberrations and improving image clarity. The prisms are arranged to fold the optical path, allowing for a more compact form factor while maintaining high-quality image projection. The system may also include additional optical elements, such as lenses or diffractive components, to further optimize performance. By integrating these prisms with flat facets, the HMD achieves a balance between miniaturization and optical quality, making it suitable for immersive display applications. The design minimizes bulk while ensuring precise light guidance, addressing key limitations in conventional HMD architectures.
12. The HMD of claim 9 , wherein each prism of the plurality of prisms includes at least one curved facet.
A head-mounted display (HMD) system addresses the challenge of providing wide-field-of-view (FOV) imaging with compact optics. Traditional HMDs often suffer from limited FOV due to the physical constraints of optical components, leading to restricted user immersion. The invention improves upon prior designs by incorporating a plurality of prisms in the optical path, where each prism includes at least one curved facet. The curved facets enhance light redirection and minimize distortion, enabling a broader FOV without increasing the device's size. The prisms are arranged to fold the optical path, allowing the display to remain compact while maintaining high image quality. The curved facets further reduce aberrations and improve off-axis performance, ensuring clarity across the entire FOV. This design is particularly useful in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications, where wide FOV and compact form factors are critical. The system may also include additional optical elements, such as lenses or waveguides, to further optimize light transmission and image quality. The overall structure ensures that the HMD remains lightweight and ergonomic while delivering an immersive visual experience.
13. The HMD of claim 9 , wherein a size of a prism within the prism array is based in part on a distance between the redirection structure and the display element.
A head-mounted display (HMD) system includes a prism array with prisms that redirect light from a display element to an eye of a user. The prisms are arranged to form a waveguide structure that guides light through total internal reflection (TIR) and redirects it toward the user's eye. The size of each prism within the array is determined based on the distance between the redirection structure and the display element. This adjustment ensures optimal light redirection efficiency and minimizes optical aberrations. The display element generates image data, which is then modulated and directed into the waveguide. The prisms in the array are designed to maintain a compact form factor while providing a wide field of view (FOV) and high image quality. The system may also include additional optical components, such as lenses or filters, to enhance performance. The prism array's configuration allows for efficient light coupling and decoupling, reducing losses and improving brightness uniformity across the FOV. The overall design aims to provide a lightweight, high-performance HMD with improved optical efficiency and image clarity.
14. The HMD of claim 9 , wherein facets of prisms within the prism array are shaped such that the facets form different portions of a Fresnel lens.
A head-mounted display (HMD) system incorporates a prism array to enhance optical performance. The prisms within the array are designed with facets that collectively form different portions of a Fresnel lens. This configuration allows the HMD to achieve compactness while maintaining high optical quality, addressing the challenge of balancing size and image clarity in wearable displays. The Fresnel lens-like structure of the prism facets enables efficient light redirection and focusing, improving the field of view and reducing distortion. The prism array may be integrated into the HMD's optical path to manipulate light from a display source, ensuring that the final image presented to the user is sharp and distortion-free. This design is particularly useful in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications where minimizing device size and weight is critical. The use of prism facets shaped to mimic a Fresnel lens provides a lightweight, cost-effective solution compared to traditional bulkier optical elements. The system ensures that the HMD remains ergonomic while delivering high-resolution visuals.
15. The HMD of claim 9 , wherein a prism within the prism array comprises facets that are coated with a dichroic material that is reflective in the infrared band and transmissive in the visible band.
A head-mounted display (HMD) system includes a prism array with individual prisms that redirect light from a display panel toward a user's eyes. Each prism in the array has facets coated with a dichroic material. This coating is designed to reflect infrared (IR) light while allowing visible light to pass through. The dichroic coating ensures that IR light, such as from an eye-tracking system, is efficiently directed toward the user's eyes, while visible light from the display remains unobstructed. This configuration improves the performance of integrated eye-tracking systems by optimizing the reflection of IR light while maintaining clear visibility of the displayed content. The prism array may be part of a larger optical system that combines multiple optical elements to enhance image quality and user experience in the HMD. The dichroic coating on the prism facets ensures that the IR light used for tracking is properly directed without interfering with the visible light path, thus enabling accurate eye-tracking functionality alongside high-quality visual output.
16. The HMD of claim 9 , wherein the prism array is coated with a layer of material that is a same refractive index as the refractive index of the material of which prisms within the prism array are composed.
A head-mounted display (HMD) system includes a prism array configured to direct light from a display towards a user's eyes. The prism array is coated with a layer of material that has the same refractive index as the material used to form the prisms within the array. This coating minimizes optical distortions and reflections at the interface between the prism surfaces and the surrounding environment, improving image clarity and contrast. The prisms are arranged to fold the optical path, reducing the overall size of the HMD while maintaining a wide field of view. The display generates images that are projected through the prism array, which redirects the light to the user's eyes. The coating ensures that light passes through the prism surfaces without significant refraction or scattering, enhancing visual performance. The system may also include additional optical elements, such as lenses or waveguides, to further refine the light path and optimize image quality. The design is particularly useful in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications where compactness and optical efficiency are critical.
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November 24, 2020
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